Serene Republic of the Markazi Isles
The Serene Republic of the Markazi Isles (more commonly known as the Markazi Republic) is a merchant republic based within the Petranesia archipelago between Armara and Obela. The republic is based on a chain of islands, with its capital and largest city being Qanaar, once a major trading port for the Korsan Empire. It is one of the few places where peoples from all around the world regularly intermingle with one another, proving as attractive a destination for anthropologists and diplomats as merchants. Their government is often described as "acting as a government within the isles, but as a corporation outside".
Structure
The Markazi Empire is effectively administered partially as a nationstate and partially as a multinational business. Though called an 'empire', it is led by a hereditary ruler known as the Sarvu, though power mostly lies in the Merchant Congress (often also known as the Traders' Council), made up of representatives from Markazi territories and colonies, as well as foreign embassies from frequent trading partners. The Empire is also intertwined with its national trading company Kefiya, controlled fully by select members of the Merchant Congress.
Markazi government is divided into three branches; the executive branch (the ruling Sarvu and their advisors), the Merchant Congress, and the Kefiya corporation. The monarch is a hereditary role picked from the ruling House, though the MC can call a vote of no confidence to remove the reigning monarch. The MC is comprised of representatives from all large private ventures based in the Markazi Empire-- namely companies such as Watunan, Mawlnos, Shivari, and Siyafet-- as well as the top leaders of Kefiya and two of the monarch's advisors. Kefiya is run by a chairperson appointed by the Sarvu, and who the monarch can remove and replace at any point, however the chairperson has near unrestricted control over Kefiya's affairs.
Kefiya is a generic corporation, in charge primarily of facilitating secure trade throughout the Petranesian archipelago (particularly outside Markazi territories, as the Markazi government provides most of the security within their waters).
Markazi government is divided into three branches; the executive branch (the ruling Sarvu and their advisors), the Merchant Congress, and the Kefiya corporation. The monarch is a hereditary role picked from the ruling House, though the MC can call a vote of no confidence to remove the reigning monarch. The MC is comprised of representatives from all large private ventures based in the Markazi Empire-- namely companies such as Watunan, Mawlnos, Shivari, and Siyafet-- as well as the top leaders of Kefiya and two of the monarch's advisors. Kefiya is run by a chairperson appointed by the Sarvu, and who the monarch can remove and replace at any point, however the chairperson has near unrestricted control over Kefiya's affairs.
Kefiya is a generic corporation, in charge primarily of facilitating secure trade throughout the Petranesian archipelago (particularly outside Markazi territories, as the Markazi government provides most of the security within their waters).
Culture
Markazi culture can vary between the capital Qanaar, the outer villages, and the colonies, but largely revolves around economics and keeping the wheels of global trade running.
Assets
The Markazi Isles offer little in the way of natural resources, but lie directly in the middle of the Golden Road trading network, a series of networks connecting the four continents of the world by sea. This gives the Empire and its national trading company Kefiya an important advantage, as the easiest route between any of the continents usually goes through the Petranesian islands.
History
Qanaar was founded in 1322 AF by Korsan merchants under orders from Emperor Ranas Tilu. Originally called Kunaru, the city was founded as a trading post to consolidate Korsan influence over the Golden Road. Kunaru grew wealthier over the years, being administered only loosely from Korsus. After The Fall however, the Markazi Islands, as the larger territory was called, broke away in the 33rd century, with Kunaru (now called Qanaar) became a city-state. 300 years later, King Metorke III (r. 3415-39) reorganized Qanaar's government, founding the state-run Kefiya corporation in 3420, as well as inviting citizens to start private companies to help reestablish the Golden Road network. In 3423 he founded the Merchant Congress and formally established the Markazi Empire as a merchant kingdom, establishing relations with the Watabowi Empire and the nations of Eburin, with his daughter Queen Hanura (r. 3442-3597) further establishing trading relations with Metvis and Asharia, as well as the Great Cartian Empire. Hanura also modified her title to "Sarvu" (roughly meaning magistrate) to reflect the nation's shift to a merchant republic.
Military
The Markazi military is almost entirely made up of its navy, with its land forces essentially a subdivision of the navy. The Markazi navy lends its ships to Kefiya for peacetime efforts outside Markazi borders, while the navy itself operates its ships within Markazi waters and during wartime.
Religion
The Markazi Empire, as well as most of its population, is of the Kamshir religion. The empire worships the wealth and prosperity god Maru in particular, believing him to bring prosperity to the Golden Road. The empire however enshrines freedom of religion for individuals, though residents are often pressured to worship Maru.
Foreign Relations
The Markazi Empire maintains largely positive relations with the great powers of Eridus, though Qanaar has a reputation worldwide for being a land of harsh, cunning traders and businessmen. It is said one doesn't need to worry about pickpocketing on the streets of Qanaar, as Markazis are often stereotyped as sly scam artists. The empire also holds a less positive reputation among many of the smaller nations elsewhere in Petranesia, worried about possibly being conquered or exploited by the Markazis. These small nations are themselves a thorn in the hand to Markazi leadership, and are much of the main reason Qanaar maintains close relations with the Watabowi Empire.
Trade & Transport
Domestically the empire relies almost wholly on sea travel, often even between destinations on the same island, relying on ferries to transport cargo and people, which generally includes food sent from the farming islands to the larger cities. Qanaar is the largest city, ten times larger than second place Kasha.
Founding Date
3423 AF
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Predecessor Organization
Demonym
Markazi
Government System
Oligarchy
Power Structure
Unitary state
Currency
Gold coins known as Quill, though foreign currencies are frequently dealt with in Qanaar.
Major Exports
The Markazi Empire itself doesn't export much, rather its influential position comes from being at the center of trade routes and providing safety from pirates for a small fee.
Official State Religion
Location
Official Languages
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
Related Plots
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